In Memorial: My Granddaddy, James Troy Brown

Written by a close camping friend, this tribute hung on the wall of my parents' bedroom from 1973 until 2012, when they moved from my childhood home. I probably read it five or six times when I lived there.  I read it differently now, though.  It speaks of a happy people person, a fellow coffee and nature lover, and a man who I see now as not simply a granddaddy, but as a true friend who left this earth too soon. 
I asked my sister, Susi, about a few details of his death, she said...It's not a big deal, she wrote about his life and influence. 
James Troy Brown, Sr. June 15, 1915- June 24, 1973

He was always ready to go camping when or before the Puddle Ducks were, most often he “got up” the campouts.  Camping was his main interest.  He retired not only because of his health, but also so that he could go camping more. Talking was a favorite of his – mainly about camping – to others – getting non-campers interested in camping.

Talking on the CB Radio was a highlight in his life – known to all around for years as “Cherokee” – he wanted non-CBers to get a two-way radio so they too could enjoy what he enjoyed.

He was a coffee drinker – not a home drinker – but one who would drive sometimes 10 miles for a cup of coffee in a public place where there would be people to talk to and fellowship with – Waffle Houses all over the South were favorite places of his.  In his younger years, he loved to ride trains – even go to New York on one – just for the ride – and his tales of such rides were fascinating.

He was interested in his friends and what they were doing – even called friends up in the middle of the night to bid farewell if leaving early on a trip – or he would go see someone off any time of day or night.  Yes, to him life was interesting and exciting, and he tried to make it interesting and exciting for others.  We all have our faults as we pass through this world – but somehow in the end only the good stands out in the minds of others.

Yes, Troy Brown lived a good life, and he’ll be missed by all who knew him.  He had a heart attack while camping near Asheville and brought the camper and Sue home before going to the hospital on Friday and died early Sunday morning, June 24, 1973. 

Troy, you’ll be missed by the Puddle Ducks at our get togethers- but we’ll continue to have them because you enjoyed them so much.  You taught us all so very much about a lot of things. 

See you in that happy camping ground!!!

Louise Sanders, Puddle Ducks of Anderson

Blog posts about my Granddaddy, Troy Brown 

My People - June 11, 2014

Campfire Television January 25, 2017